Certified Surgical Technologist Basics 4

Question 1

The purpose of the time-out procedure before surgery is to:

Accepted Answer

Verify patient identity, procedure, site, and confirm all team members are ready

Answer

The Universal Protocol time-out actively confirms correct patient, procedure, and site to prevent wrong-site, wrong-procedure, and wrong-patient errors.

Question 2

When opening sterile supplies onto the back table, the circulator should:

Accepted Answer

Peel the package open and drop or present the item without contaminating contents

Answer

The circulator peels back the wrapper and either drops the sterile item onto the field or presents it so the scrub tech can remove it, maintaining sterile integrity.

Question 3

Which hemostatic agent works by providing a matrix for platelet aggregation?

Accepted Answer

Gelatin sponge (Gelfoam)

Answer

Absorbable gelatin sponge (Gelfoam) provides a physical scaffold that facilitates platelet aggregation and clot formation.

Question 4

A patient is placed in the lithotomy position. The MOST important complication to monitor for during extended procedures is:

Accepted Answer

Compartment syndrome of the lower extremities

Answer

Prolonged lithotomy position compresses the lower extremity compartments and can cause compartment syndrome, a serious, potentially limb-threatening complication.

Question 5

Chromic gut suture differs from plain gut suture in that it:

Accepted Answer

Has been treated with chromium salts to extend absorption time

Answer

Chromic gut is treated with chromium trioxide, which cross-links collagen fibers and delays absorption from 7–10 days to 10–21 days.

Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test

Certified Surgical Technologist Practice Test

Certified Surgical Technologist Basics 4